Why Manchester United should avoid recalling Dean Henderson
According to The Times (h/t The Sun), Manchester United can recall goalkeeper Dean Henderson when his loan spell at Sheffield United ends on July 2.
The 23-year-old shot-stopper is currently on loan with Premier League newcomers Sheffield United, where he has impressed with 10 clean sheets to his name. His standout displays in goal have seen the newly-promoted Blades climb to 6th place in the table, conceding just 25 goals in 28 league games.
Henderson has been in such good form that the Blades have the second-best defensive record in the league, with only leaders Liverpool (21) ahead of them. However, this is not the first time Henderson has turned heads with his eye-catching displays for Sheffield United.
Having arrived from Old Trafford on loan in the summer of 2018, Henderson is currently in his second season at Bramall Lane. Despite being young, Henderson was handed the first-choice role and was instrumental in helping Sheffield gain promotion to the PL last season.
Young keeper Henderson was arguably Sheffield’s best performer last season, grabbing 21 clean sheets and featuring in all their 46 Championship outings. Henderson’s eye-catching displays with the Blades saw him emerge as the best goalkeeper last year with the most number of clean sheets to his name.
With the youngster still continuing his excellent form from last year in the top-flight this season, United are forced to bring him back to Old Trafford as their No.2 keeper behind main man David de Gea.
Manchester United should offer Henderson more game time
Meanwhile, it has not been the best of campaigns for United’s undisputed No.1 De Gea, who has managed just 8 clean sheets this season. However, after a few initial slip-ups early in the season, De Gea seemed to have regained his form before play got suspended due to the coronavirus crisis.
Despite United’s academy graduate Henderson putting up a better display than De Gea this season, it is hugely unlikely that the former will get enough game time if he returns to Old Trafford.
De Gea has been United’s best performer in the past decade since his move from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011. The Spaniard, who established himself as their No.1 custodian in his debut season, has grabbed more than 10 clean sheets in all the seasons except last year.
Meanwhile, United also have experienced goalkeepers Sergio Romero and Lee Grant with them, making it evident that the side are clearly not out of back-up options.
Hence, it would be foolish if United decide to recall in-form man Henderson, who is having an exciting spell at Bramall Lane. By bringing him back, United will only be limiting his game time as De Gea still remains their No.1 custodian.
Hence, the Red Devils should avoid calling him back and offer him more experience in the top-flight. He clearly looks like a favourite to don their No.1 jersey in the coming days.
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Verdict
Despite his slip in form of late, De Gea still remains one of the top keepers in the Premier League. With De Gea still around, United will only be restricting Henderson’s game time by calling him back to Old Trafford. They should rather let him stay with the Blades or send him out on loan elsewhere to gain more experience.
